A photo posted by Carlton Football Club (@carlton_fc) on Oct 30, 2016 at 11:54pm PDT

“I spent a lot of time back home in Balnarring with mum and dad, relaxed down there and put some work in.

“I was lucky to play 20 games in 2016, but I think with a full pre-season it gives you a good base both fitness-wise and for working on your game and learning the new game plan.”

The composed defender has been joined by fellow second-year players Harry McKay, Charlie Curnow, David Cuningham, Jack Silvagni, Jesse Glass-McCasker, Andrew Gallucci and Matt Korcheck over pre-season, and said the bond between the Blues’ youngsters continues to strengthen.

“Having more pre-seasons under our belt will increase that chemistry between us. The relationships are building,” he said.

“I’ve moved in with Jesse (Glass-McCasker) and a few of the boys are moving out with each other, so they’re all stepping stones to where we want to go in the future.”

And as for the new Blues who have already hit the track?

“I think he’ll (Caleb Marchbank) slot in quite nicely down in the back rotation,” Weitering said.